BY CNYSC PRESS & PUBLICITY PORTFOLIO
It’s the last week of the semester and we are bringing you the next instalment of Humans of CN Yang! We had a really enjoyable session with Pratham Sabannavar, a Year 2 Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) student and the President of the CN Yang Scholar’s Club (9th Executive Committee).
Pratham will be sharing about time-management, his life motto, his gym routine, and the top 3 things on his bucket list. Without further ado, let’s start the interview!
Part 1: Classic interview questions
- Why did you join CNYSP and why did you run for CNYSC President?
I have never tried research before and I thought it would be a good avenue to try research. I ran for CNYSC President because CNYSC gave me all the friends I have in NTU. So I think it’s a good avenue to serve them and give back to the community that gave me these friends.
- How do you manage your time and workload between school, CCA, and other commitments?
I have no idea how I do it! I just take it one day at a time. I think that’s the best way to do it, taking things one day at a time. Then, plan for the next day. If I think too far ahead, there will be too many things.
- Tell us about your research attachment project!
It is about degrading organic wastes in the dyeing industry. The jeans industry releases the most blue organic dye, specifically methyl blue. This release of methyl blue does not meet safety standards. My research involves a catalyst that can degrade methyl blue very quickly. I am trying to upscale the use of this catalyst to an industrial level rather than just the current small-scale use.
- Tell us about a time in your life that shaped who you are today!
This is a very hard question! The most trivial incident, I think, that shaped me was in Secondary 2 when I didn’t make the school team. At least for me it was a catalyst for change. Because I realised that hard work need not always pay off.
- What’s your quote in life?
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
(Muhammad Ali)
- Who is your inspiration and role model in life?
Actually I don’t really keep a role model in life. Because I believe everyone has their own talent. You don’t need to emulate someone to be like them. You just need to be yourself. But you can learn from what people do right. I learn a lot from all the people in CN Yang, like staying happy every day from you (Yuet Wan). Really! Just laughing everything off and staying positive is a good way to keep your mind free from stress. Going into details is another thing that I respect a lot from my peers in CBE. I’m very inspired by that. Never giving up is also something that really inspires me!
Part 2: Ending off on a lighter tone
- What is your gym routine?
LOL! I usually target different parts of my body on different days, like chest, shoulders, back and legs. At least, that is the workable routine for me, being in CN Yang and CBE. I usually do a set of specific exercises for each day. For example, on chest day, I do dumbbell, chest press, flyes, triceps, tricep press.
- So, you came up with Poker PT. What was the inspiration behind this?
In army, it was used to bond my platoon together as I used to work out with them. I thought it would be a good avenue to keep fit and motivate each other, but clearly, it does not work for everyone (laughs). Anyway, Poker PT is very fun when executed the right way.
- Tell us the top 3 things on your bucket list.
I want to do every form of diving there is and get licenses for each of them. I want to tour the whole world. I’ve been to every continent, except Antarctica. (Long pause)
Try every form of alcoholic drinks in the world.
- Choose the option that comes to your mind immediately.
Gym or beer.
Gym.
Tight shirt or comfortable shirt.
Comfortable… Wait, I don’t wear… Is this tight?
Sleep or party.
Party, definitely. No need sleep.
Dab or Indian dance.
Indian dance.
The CNYSC Press & Publicity portfolio would like to thank Pratham for the interview!